The United States has announced a temporary freeze on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Pakistan, marking a major shift in US immigration policy. The decision takes effect from January 21 and applies only to visas meant for permanent residence.
According to the US State Department, the move is part of a broader review aimed at ensuring that new immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not rely on public welfare programs after arriving in the United States.
What the Visa Freeze Means
The suspension affects immigrant visas, which are issued to people seeking permanent residency in the US. During this period:
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New immigrant visas will not be issued to applicants from the listed countries
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Applications can still be submitted
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Interviews may still take place
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Previously issued immigrant visas remain valid
The State Department has clarified that this is a pause, not a cancellation, and no existing visas are being revoked.
Who Is Affected
Pakistan is among dozens of countries included in the list, spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Other affected nations include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Brazil, and Thailand.
The US government says the review focuses on countries where immigration authorities believe there is a higher risk of new arrivals becoming a “public charge,” a term used for individuals who rely on government assistance.
What Is Not Affected
The freeze does not apply to:
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Tourist visas
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Student visas
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Work visas
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Other non-immigrant visa categories
In addition, dual nationals applying with a passport from a country not on the list are exempt from the suspension.
How Long Will the Pause Last
No end date has been announced. US officials say the freeze will remain in place until the review of screening and vetting procedures is completed. This means the timeline could vary depending on policy decisions in Washington.
Why the Decision Was Taken
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on strict immigration enforcement and financial self-reliance. Since returning to office, the administration has revived and expanded the use of the “public charge” rule, which allows authorities to deny permanent entry to applicants deemed likely to depend on public benefits.
What Pakistani Applicants Should Do
Applicants from Pakistan planning to immigrate to the US should:
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Stay updated through official US State Department channels
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Continue preparing documentation if interviews are scheduled
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Avoid relying on unofficial agents or rumors
While the freeze creates uncertainty, non-immigrant travel to the US remains unaffected, and the situation may change as the policy review progresses.
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. nise.org.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official sources before taking any action.
